Chapter 30
When Marguerite got out of the car, she looked up at a skyscraper dozens of stories tall, its glass facade reflecting the dazzling sunlight. At the very top, the words ‘Starlight Group’ shone in brilliant gold letters. It was an impressive sight.
Honestly, it was the first time it truly sank in that her little brother was a bona fide corporate tycoon. Back in the day, their family company had been much smaller, occupying just a five-story building in an office park.
Following Anna into the lobby, Marguerite was greeted by the smiling receptionist. “Good morning, Anna p>
Anna gave a cool, brief nod.
“And this is?” the receptionist asked, her curiosity piqued by the striking young woman with Anna.
“A member of Mr. Scott’s family,” Anna replied. It was a subtle choice of words. Claiming she was his sister would have been unbelievable. ‘Family’ established her importance without raising too many questions. The receptionist would know to treat her with respect and not to stop her on future visits. Marguerite was impressed by Anna’s quick thinking.
The lobby was bustling with people, and everyone greeted Anna with deference. Inside the private VIP elevator that went straight to the CEO’s office, Marguerite’s eyes sparkled. “Anna, you’re amazing p>
Anna reflexively shook her head. “Not really p>
Marguerite looked her straight in the eye. “You’re the executive assistant to the CEO. In a company, that’s practically a general manager. And you’re only in your twenties. You are amazing! You need to have more confidence p>
Many people had told Anna she was impressive, but she always felt like she wasn’t doing enough. Her family’s upbringing had been one of constant criticism, and she had grown used to it. But now, looking into the young woman’s radiant eyes, she felt a strange surge of strength. She smiled. “You’re right. I am amazing.” ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ
It was the first time Anna had ever affirmed herself like that. It felt… surprisingly good.
Marguerite’s eyes curved into crescents. “That’s the spirit! Now sing it with me: ‘I’m a queen, watch me gleam, anyone who talks trash gets the beam p>
Anna’s lip twitched. “I think I’ll pass p>
The corporate meeting was a monthly event attended by all of the company’s upper management, with those out of town joining via video call. The meeting had already started, and Anna needed to hurry. “Let me take you to Mr. Scott’s office to wait p>
Marguerite grabbed her arm. “Anna, can I sit in on the meeting? Just in the back. I’ve never seen a big corporate meeting before.” She was mostly just curious to see her brother in action.
Outsiders were strictly forbidden
from these meetings, but the CEO’s sister wasn’t exactly an outsider. More importantly, Anna found it impossible to say no to Marguerite when she looked at her with those big, pleading eyes.
“Alright. Go in through the back door and sit quietly p>
The back door of the massive conference room opened a crack, and a slender figure slipped inside, moving with the stealth of a cat burglar. She found an empty seat and peeked her head out.
The room was enormous, with a long table in the center surrounded by executives. Other employees, likely of lower rank, sat in individual chairs around the periphery. There had to be over a hundred people in the room.
At the head of the table sat a handsome man in a black suit. He radiated a cold, commanding aura and the black rosary on his wrist addest an air of mystery. A balding executive was giving a presentation. Theobald listened with a blank expression, occasionally lifting his gaze to pin the speaker with an
intimidating stare. He would interject with a cold, sharp comment, pointing out a flaw in the report.
The balding man nodded frantically. “Yes, of course, I understand p>
Marguerite covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. You know, she thought, Theobald really does have that whole ruthless CEO thing down. He’s totally pulling it off.
But no matter how important the meeting, there were always people slacking off: A few moments after she sat down, Marguerite noticed two people in her row leaning their heads together, whispering like they were gossiping.
Bored, Marguerite leaned slightly in their direction and strained to hear.
“I heard the CEO walked out of the executive meeting a few days ago. Wonder if he’ll do it again today p>
“That was for Hannah! I heard he had an entire Starlight Plaza cleared out just so she could shop in private p>
“I’m so jealous. I wish I could live Hannah’s life for just a couple of days p>
Marguerite’s brow furrowed. Theobald had left an executive meeting to take Hannah shopping? Couldn’t it have waited until after the meeting?
Her fists clenched.
Just then, a familiar, custom ringtone echoed from the front of the room.